Dimensional Keeper: All My Skills Are at Level 100 Chapter 1340 Divine Colosseum
Previously on Dimensional Keeper: All My Skills Are at Level 100...
Standing before the colossal structure of the Divine Colosseum, Max decreased his pace to inspect it with care. A frown touched his face as he projected his Three Dimensional Body outward; however, his attempt to probe the space ahead was met with a strange defiance.
No matter how much effort he exerted to see within, his perception was cut off sharply, as if a massive and intentional force was obstructing his vision. The feeling was unmistakable, causing his instincts to sharpen instantly.
"A barrier has been established here," Max noted with conviction.
As he crossed over the threshold and walked through the magnificent entrance, a faint but certain shift occurred. His 5th level concept of space gave a slight tremor, and a clear warning was issued by his Three Dimensional Body.
The surrounding space felt isolated and compressed, as if he had entered a sealed pocket of reality detached from the rest of the city. Following his gut, Max spun around to view the path he had just taken, and only then was the truth revealed.
A transparent wall stood silently behind him, perfectly smooth and nearly invisible to the untrained eye. He was positive that this barrier had been completely hidden from the outside.
Max reached out, pressing his palm against the clear surface. Just as he suspected, it did not budge. There was no distortion, no ripple, and no reaction to his physical power. The wall simply existed as an absolute and immovable force.
"So there is no retreat once you have entered," Max whispered to himself. "Freedom truly must be earned in this place."
He didn't waste time dwelling on it. Turning away from the barrier, Max ventured further into the Divine Colosseum. As he progressed, the interior layout of the facility became apparent. The Colosseum was organized into three primary zones.
Above ground were the massive spectator stands, where countless onlookers would observe the carnage. At the center of everything sat the arena itself—a vast expanse dedicated entirely to blood, combat, and survival. Beneath it all lay the underground sector, the living quarters for ascendants who had yet to win their liberty.
Max soon reached this subterranean level. Upon entering, he was greeted by a sight that was the polar opposite of what he had envisioned. Rather than warriors honing their blades or cultivators frantically preparing for battle, he found groups of ascendants loitering throughout the area, sitting and conversing as if it were a mundane residential district.
Some propped themselves against the stone walls, others were seated cross-legged in silent Cultivation, and a few engaged in casual chatter in small circles.
Before Max could advance more than a few paces, several voices reached him.
"Look, we have another newbie," someone remarked, pointing directly at him without hesitation.
"Do these newcomers actually believe they can secure ten straight wins?" another voice mocked. "Absolute nonsense."
"Indeed, the number of newcomers in the Colosseum has increased these last few years," a third person added with a chuckle. "But what's the point? Every single one of them has failed. Achieving ten consecutive victories here is virtually impossible."
"They likely heard this was the quickest path to freedom and came rushing in," someone else suggested with obvious amusement.
Dismissive laughter rippled through the underground hall. Many eyes landed on Max and the other fresh arrivals who had entered with him. To these veterans, the new ascenders were merely naïve fools pursuing a hopeless fantasy.
Max remained quiet as he observed, his face maintaining a calm and unreadable mask. He analyzed the environment, the inhabitants, and the underlying sense of resignation that sat beneath their laughter.
Just then, a man detached himself from the crowd and approached Max and the other newcomers. His posture was relaxed, nearly friendly, though the faint smile on his lips failed to reach his eyes.
"Coming here was the worst mistake of your lives," the man stated flatly, his tone remarkably casual. "However, I will say this: if you possess genuine strength, your existence here will be far better than rotting away in the mines." He gestured toward the deeper reaches of the underground area. "Follow me. I will explain the regulations of the Divine Colosseum."
Max and the other arrivals traded quick looks before following the guide. As they walked, endless underground corridors branched out in every direction, illuminated by dim crystalline lamps set into the masonry. The air held a slight metallic tang mixed with a heavier scent that reminded Max of old blood and entrenched despair.
"Within the fighting arena," the man began, never breaking his stride, "there are no rules." His voice echoed softly against the walls. "Once you enter the pit, anything is permitted. If you overcome your opponent, the choice to kill or spare them is yours alone."
He paused for a beat before continuing. "However, violence or killing within the underground living quarters is strictly prohibited. Because of this, you don't have to worry about harassment or attacks while you are resting."
Stopping momentarily, he turned to face the group with a more somber expression. "Regarding your freedom, the theory is simple. You are only granted a match against the Grim Gladiator after you have secured ten consecutive wins in the colosseum. If you defeat the Grim Gladiator, your freedom is guaranteed."
A cynical smile touched his face as he spoke again. "But don't be misled. It is much easier to describe than to do. Many of us have been trapped here for years, and not one of us has reached ten straight wins. Even among the exceptional geniuses who hit that milestone, not a single soul has ever defeated the Grim Gladiator."
They eventually arrived at a different part of the subterranean complex. Max slowed down to look around. The area was lined with numerous doors positioned neatly along the stone walls. Some featured names etched onto small metal plates, while others were blank. The hallway felt quiet and heavy with a sense of permanence, as if those who entered were destined to stay much longer than they planned.
"This is your residence," the man said, waving his hand toward the rows of doors. "Find an empty room and settle in for the night. Tomorrow, the real hell begins." He let out a dry laugh, filled more with defeat than mirth, before turning back and leaving the newcomers to themselves.
Max stood still for a moment, his eyes scanning the doors and the hushed corridor.
'Based on what I see... No one here has leveled up beyond the Divine Rank. That means the rivals I'll be facing will likely be at the peak of the Divine Rank as well.' He thought with a smile. 'I suppose this will be a walk in the park for me.'